Without Training Home, McEvoy Pulls Out Of Aussie Pan Pacific Trials

2018 AUSTRALIAN PAN PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP TRIALS

In our preview for the 2018 Australian Pan Pacific Championship Trials, which kick-off tomorrow, June 30th, we noted how two-time world champion James Magnussen was missing from the competition’s start lists. Not having notched a Pan Pacs qualifying time at the Commonwealth Games, the other selection meet for Australia’s Pan Pacs team, these Trials represented the last chance for Maggie to nab a slot on the roster.

The 27-year-old has released statements regarding his absence, stating, “I have decided not to take part in the upcoming Pan Pacs trials, a difficult decision, but one that I believe will benefit me in the long run.

“At the moment I am really excited with some personal development opportunities that currently exist outside the pool and so I will be taking some time away from racing to explore these options and doing so with no deadline or dates on the table.

“Swimming will still play a role in my day-to-day life as I will continue to train and have no intention of retirement just yet but I want to be able to focus my energy completely on these new interests and give them more time and attention.” (sbs.com)

However, Magnussen isn’t the only powerhouse to pull himself out of the competition. The 100m freestyle textile world record holder, Cameron McEvoy, has also revealed he will no longer be competing in South Australia this weekend.

As reported last week, McEvoy has left longtime Bond coach Richard Scarce and is searching for his new training base. Without a permanent home, McEvoy is opting out of the Pan Pac Trials.

“At this stage I will not be trialling for Pan Pacs as I’d like to settle on a program, find progress and put all the processes into action,” McEvoy said in a statement.

“It will be difficult as the defending champion in the 100m freestyle to watch from home but I have confidence in our Dolphins and want to make sure I make decisions that are going to have positive impacts on my career and my longevity.”

McEvoy was scheduled to race the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre. As he did not clock a Pan Pacific Championships qualifying time on the Gold Coast in an individual event, McEvoy will not be representing Australia individually at the Pan Pac Championships.

Also bowing out of the Trials is West Australia’s Zac Incerti, who is suffering from an aggravated disc in his back.

In This Story

20
Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of

20 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
marklewis
5 years ago

Missing some meets in 2018 doesn’t mean he’s done. He’s looking to make some changes in his life.

McEvoy is not that tall or muscular compared to other sprinters. He’s listed at 6’1 and 165. Probably the smallest guy in the Ready Room in the sprint finals of the Big Meets.

I sometimes wondered how he swam so fast. He always looked like he was giving it his all.

Skipper
Reply to  marklewis
5 years ago

Seemed to go wrong when he shifted the training focus from still racing the 200 and stepping down to 100 like p.v.h, to just the 50/100. Maybe he was trying to balance his academics/new relationship more and try and swim more specifically just enough for 100.

Ol' Longhorn
5 years ago

The Dressel effect. Why even try.

Che
Reply to  Ol' Longhorn
5 years ago

Only until just a few years ago, this phenomenon was known as the Phelps effect. Never discount anything.

Deerfield19
5 years ago

It’s seriously starting to look like McEvoy might be done, but not because he physically can’t perform anymore. He seems to genuinely wish to pursue academia, and if that’s what he wants in life, let him at it. Part of an indication on this is that it appears Speedo no longer sponsors McEvoy.

Sum Ting Wong
Reply to  Deerfield19
5 years ago

I think he gets good opportunities & props from the fashion field . Cam sports some very natty outfits & like Ian Thorpe before him , actually goes to fashion shows . That along with his partner being a fashion lawyer is an attractive world for sure . Good luck to him.

There are quite a few top male swimmers ambassadoring / sponsored by top design houses . How about SWSW keep a tab on who spotted wearing who . Male only thanks for ZzTop said it best ‘ Every girl crazy about a sharp dressed man ‘ . I have a list of former male swimmers I’d still like to see !

Caeleb Dressel Will Win 9 Gold Medals in Tokyo
5 years ago

I don’t blame him. People so often forget just how much dedication it takes to train at your best every day for months on end. He’s already an Olympic bronze medalist. You don’t have to win a gold medal to be good, unlike some people here think.

Sean S

It’s ironic that the guy who has the username “CAELEB DRESSEL WILL WIN 9 GOLD MEDALS IN TOKYO” is saying you don’t need to win gold.

E Gamble
5 years ago

I don’t think his heart is in this anymore. Just my opinion.

50free
5 years ago

What’s the point of training if they aren’t going to show up to the meets?

E Gamble
Reply to  50free
5 years ago

We need to ask Conner Dwyer this too. lol

Skoorbnagol
Reply to  50free
5 years ago

He’s not been training, more interested in physics

dude
5 years ago

Australian swimming is kinda messed up. I say this without much knowledge, but it seems to grind up and spit out its athletes worse than the US. As messed up as USA swimming is, it shockingly is the best system in the world.

Express
Reply to  dude
5 years ago

Agreed, but the US system is in good hands, it benefits from the depth in college swimming(18-22y.o), creating more turnover in the national team compared to Aus. There’s always a 3rd, 4th + person to fill any gaps and provide competition for spots

Togger
Reply to  dude
5 years ago

Aus grinds up and spits out sports stars generally, a huge amount of national self worth tests on it. Americans don’t see this much as the two big Aussie sports played internationally, rugby and cricket, are niche interests in America.

It’s tougher on swimmers I think as it’s an individual sport, that amount of pressure and scrutiny is a huge burden to carry alone.

Sum Ting Wong
Reply to  Togger
5 years ago

Rubbish . Athletes that are fortunate enough to reach top level still only have time at the top level . There is every support to keep them up should they want & be able . Nobody is forced to continue sport , no one is pushed out .

Many manage to stay on top for quite long careers eg tennis , golf , motor racing , swimming . Cate Campbell & Emily Seebohm over 11 years . Cam himself is up to 6 years & 2 Olympics ,3 worlds , JM 8 years . Sally Pearson Olympic & world champ hurdler at 28 has been on the team 12 years . 25 year old diver Meliss Wu at 25… Read more »

Mikeh
Reply to  dude
5 years ago

I agree. It seems that Australia produces amazing sprinters the swim incredibly fast, but then are injured or flame out within a short time. Not sure why. Do they pile on too much anaerobic training at too young in age?

Becky D
Reply to  dude
5 years ago

Beware: CONFIRMATION BIAS

Names
5 years ago

Always so much drama down under that affects their swimming.

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

Read More »